National Doctors’ Day

National Doctors’ Day

March 30^th

Today is National Doctors’ Day! Make sure to recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities. Depending on where you live in the world the actual date may differ, but in the United States National Doctors’ Day is observed on March 30^th. Historically speaking, a card or red carnation may be sent to physicians and their spouses, along with a flower being placed on the graves of deceased physicians.

The first observance of Doctors’ Day was on March 30^th, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. On May 10^th 1934, the resolution was adopted at the annual state meeting in Augusta Georgia. The United States Senate and House of Representatives passed S.J. RES. #366 during the 101^st United States Congress, which President Bush signed on October 30^th, 1990 designating Doctors’ Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on March 30^th. So why is it on March 30^th? The first ether anesthetic for surgery administered by Crawford W. Long, M.D. on March 30, 1842, marking the date for Doctors’ Day.

Please take a minute of your time today to thank your physicians for responding too late night phone calls, working long hours, and providing unswerving care. Use #National DoctorsDay to post on social media.

National Doctors’ Day is observed in many other countries as well. Below we will list a few that also observes this day

Brazil

Brazil celebrates National Doctors’ Day on October 18^th. This is also the same day that the Catholic Church celebrates the birthday of Saint Luke. According to the Church, Saint Luke was a doctor, as it is written in the New Testament (Colossians 4:14)

Cuba

Cuba celebrates National Doctors’ Day on December 3^rd. This is also the birthday of Carlos Juan Finlay. He was a Cuban physician and scientist recognized as a pioneer in yellow fever research. In 1881, he was the first to theorize that a mosquito was a carrier of this disease and could infect a healthy person.

India

India celebrates National Doctors’ Day on July 1^st. All across India, this day is honoring the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.

Final Thoughts

Have you thanked your doctor today? Are you going to send a red carnation to anyone? Let us know in the comments below!